Business news
- China manufacturing activity expands for the first time since March, beating expectations - China’s economy ended the year on a slightly less gloomy note as manufacturing, services and construction activity all improved in December.
- Asia-Pacific markets set to open flat in year-end trade - Asia-Pacific markets were poised for modest gains on the holiday-shortened and final trading day of the year.
- Khanna calls for nationwide fraud investigation after wealth tax proposal caused firestorm - California Rep. Ro Khanna is navigating a difficult environment as one-time supporters turn on him due to his support of a wealth tax.
- We asked a humanoid robot if there is an AI bubble. Here's what it said. - Unitree G1 humanoid KOID said "only time will tell" if the AI boom is actually a bubble.
- Apple needs to deliver an AI-charged Siri so good it gets older iPhone users to upgrade - Apple has one more chance to get AI right after its failure in 2025.
- Fed minutes show officials were in tight split over December rate cut - The Federal Reserve on Tuesday released minutes from its December meeting.
- Tech startup Hyphen is bringing AI to the lunch line — with help from Cava and Chipotle - Hyphen aims to make service better and more efficient, and it has investors including Cava and Chipotle.
- U.S. sanctions Iranian, Venezuelan groups tied to weapons trade - The sanctions come a day after President Donald Trump threatened Iran over attempts to rearm, and amid a monthlong pressure campaign against Venezuela.
- These restaurant chains closed locations in 2025 - Chains like Starbucks, Wendy's and Denny's announced plans to close underperforming restaurants in 2025.
- Home prices are getting slightly more affordable, but down payments are still holding buyers back - Housing is getting more affordable thanks to lower prices and lower mortgage rates, but it still takes more time to save for a down payment than pre-pandemic.